North Dakota

Every other Wednesday at lunchtime, the Coachman Inn attracts what, in this sparsely populated part of the world, amounts to a crowd. They come for the kumla— the Scandinavian potato dumplings their grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to make.

It’s a lively scene that reveals a sobering demographic truth. The hands passing the pitchers of melted butter are weathered; the heads bobbing in animated conversation are mostly silver-haired. The kumla tradition is in danger of extinction. So is Cooperstown and many of North Dakota’s once-bustling rural crossroads.”*

“We need your help. Mujeres Unidas/Women United is the Latina women and girls’ group in Fargo-Moorhead. It is the oldest grassroots Latino group and has been here since 1989. The group was founded by Sister Carmen Rodriguez and other Latina women. The group works very hard to educate and empower Latina women and youth – especially to graduate and seek post-secondary education.

Our group hosts the “Fiesta de Mujeres” celebration of Latina women and girls each fall at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. We give out the Latina awards to people such as Dean Hornbacher and others who have helped the community. We bring the Latina success story speaker, who is a young woman succeeding through Mujeres Unidas. Past speakers have included an RN at the Mayo Clinic and a teacher helping other Latino youth in the Twin Cities.”

“Children in North Dakota who speak little or no English would be taught with immersion methods only, and funding would continue for more advanced English Language Learners under a bill introduced into the House.

House Bill 1292 is tagged with an estimated cost of nearly $12.4 million by the Department of Public Instruction.”

“Lisa Gallegos, 32, former director of Centro Cultural de Fargo-Moorhead, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft of corporate property. She received a 90-day suspended sentence under the plea agreement and was ordered to pay $644.70 in restitution and court fees.”